German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the Bundestag today, praised the European Union, describing it as an “alternative to imperialism and autocracy” that is capable of forming strategic partnerships in an era of escalating competition among major global powers. He highlighted the enduring significance of NATO, indicating that Europe will enhance its defence initiatives while maintaining a commitment to equal collaboration with the United States, rather than as a subordinate ally. Moreover, Chancellor Merz aligned himself with other European leaders in rejecting US President Donald Trump‘s assertion that troops from European NATO countries did not actively engage in the conflict in Afghanistan. “We are seeing increasingly clearly in the last few weeks that a world of great powers is beginning to form,” Merz said. He further stated that Europe must “learn the language of power politics“ to establish its presence in an evolving global landscape.